Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-07-15
THE HOUSEHOLD.
The Reds,


There is no doubt that good hair mat
tress will give more solid comfort to the
square inch that any other species of bed
ding, but those to whom these expensive
Injuries are denied can find tolerable sub
stitutes. Moss and cotton topped with
excelsior, while they have not the wearing
qualities of hair, supply its place better
than one would imagine at the outset. A
mattress should always be made in two
pieces, to permit of it's being easily turned
and shifted by one pair of arms. mat
tress cover, the size of large sheet and
made Of two thicknesses of unbleached
batting quilted between them, should be
sine qua non. Laid under the sheet it
aids in softening the couch.
Those of Mrs. Whitney's readers familiar
with the details of making appreciate
as no others can Aunt Idly's desire to have
the sheet stretched as tight and smooth as
a freboard." Indeed smooth stretching
and close tucking in at sides and foot are
essential not only to the comfort but also
to the neatness of the bed. There is hardly
any minor sensation more hopelessly miser-
able than that of feeling the bedclothes
give way at the bottom of the bed as they
are drawn up over the shoulders, and
knowing that peace of mind and body can
not be restored without first leaving the
snug nest and shiveringly wrestling with
mattress and coverings.
Heavy comfortables should not be used
except in extreme cold weather, and then
only laid folded on the foot of the bed to
be pulled up in case extra warmth is re-
quired. Light, heecy blankets are in every
way preferable.
In the matter of spreads there is such q
wide field for choice that it is hardly posi-
BILE to so far wrong. Between the plain
"honeycomb" white Counterpart and the
latest dainty combination of satin and lace
can be found an endless variety suitable
to all purses. There are. many arguments
against having in constant service any bed
covering which cannot be washed. In Sc
lection, individual taste, however, must be
the guide, although one important caution
to be observed is that of choosing an ar
ticle in harmony with the other furniture
cottage bedstead are as much out of place
as would be point lace on a morning gng-
ham.
The same principle may be applied to
shams -ornaments, by the way, that try the
flesh and patience of every bed maker.
Without going so far as to Danish them
altogether, it may be at least urged that
they should never be employed for the pur-
pose OF concealing soiIed pillows. Re-
puaiate also the great square denominations
stuffed with jute and known to furniture
plump feather pillows covered with white
linen, ruifled and tucked. These eau be
laid aside at night ana their place supplied
bv bolster. Or, if this is not desired, an
excellent plan is to keep two sets of slips,
the creased and tnmbled ones used at
night to be replaced each morning by the
fresh ones kept for day wear. The wash
ing of one pair week gives little additional
work, and the trouble Of changing is more
than repaid by the gain of neatness.
In many families cotton sheets are used
necessity; but. if it is possible, pillow and
bolster cases should be of linen. This is
especially desirable for those who are
troubled with restlessness or insomnia.
The easilv-h heated cotton slip enhances dis
comfort, while the smooth, cool surface of
the linen seems almost to possess sooth-
ing influence.
TOO much stress cannot be laid upon the
ACCESSIBILITY OF airing beds thoroughly. 10
careles sness in this regard may be at
tributed the close, offensive odors which
homes of the poorer classes, but in the
bedrooms of the high priced hotels. 1t is
not enough to turn down the GOVERN IS,
only to draw them back half an hour later.
The unsavory fact that the body actually
loses weight during night slumber shows
clearly that more vigorous methods of
treatment than these are re- uired to free
the bed coverings of the civilizations from
the sleeper. Counterpanes, blankets, and
sheets should be stripped nom tile bed,
we'll shaken and hung on two chairs to pre-
vent their gathering dust hy resting on the
floor. The mattress should lie half turned
and propped against the footboard. 80 as to
allow tie free access of air to both sides.
Pillow and bolster should he beaten ener-
eeticaly. Then, even in the bitterest
weather. the windows should be opened
wide, if only for ten minutes, that the at
mo~phere of the apartment may be CONF
pletely changed.